Putting Our HOPE and TRUST and FAITH Into the Wrong Things

If we’re going to get real today, together, on what and who and where we place our hope and trust and faith - let’s see how and what WE align with – the world, or the WORD? And for those of you that haven’t tuned into last week's episode quite yet, the meaning behind this podcast is to ferret out the WORLD from God’s Word. If you’re joining us, that means you at least believe in God’s Word, heck if you don’t – listen in any way – we’re happy to have you here with us), so this isn’t meant to be a Sunday school lesson or every comes to have feel-good moments and a break from reality – we have TOO MANY PEOPLE, and PLACES, and THINGS that already do that for us on the daily, anyway – we don’t need anymore. This is to get a glimpse of what the world is hiding, what the enemy is silencing, and what the nature of man is holding hostage in your lives right now.

Merriam-Webster’s definition of HOPE makes “HOPE” seem close to “wish”, which defined as “to cherish a desire with anticipation: to want something to happen or be true.”

Here’s the True definition of HOPE: To HOPE is to anticipate something good to come in the future. One does not HOPE for what one already has. Synonyms – expectancy, to await, to long for, anticipation, expectation, aspiration, and/or desire;

I appreciate and respect, fully, Paul the Apostle’s use of the word HOPE in the Bible, specifically in Romans 8:22-25:

22-We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23-Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. 24-for in this HOPE we were saved. But HOPE that is seen is no HOPE at all. Who HOPES for what they already have? 25-But if we HOPE for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

Merriam-Webster’s definition of TRUST is the assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something. One in which confidence is placed. Dependence on something future or contingent: HOPE

Here’s the True Christian of TRUST: The words translated “TRUST” in the Bible literally mean “a bold, confident, sure security or action based on that security. TRUST is not exactly the same as faith, which is the gift of God.. Rather, TRUSTing is what we do because of the FAITH we have been given. TRUSTing is believing in the promise of God in all circumstances, even in those where the evidence seems to be onto the contrary.

I believe the following verse sums up the Bible’s teaching on TRUST - Proverbs 3:5 – “TRUST in the LORD with all our heart and lean not on your own understanding.”

So now that we’re on the same page on what the world AND the WORD says about HOPE and TRUST, let’s see how the world aligns with the WORD; or, if we’re going to get real today, together, let’s see how and what WE align with – the world, or the WORD?

And for those of you that haven’t tuned into last weeks episode quite yet, the meaning behind this podcast is to ferret out the WORLD from God’s Word. If you’re joining us, that means you at least believe in God’s Word, heck if you don’t – stick around anyway – we’re happy to have you here with us), so this isn’t meant to be Sunday school lesson or every comes to have feel-good moments and a break from reality – we have TOO MANY PEOPLE, and PLACES, and THINGS that already do that for us on the daily, anyway – we don’t need any more. This is to get a glimpse of what the world is hiding, what the enemy is silencing, and what the nature of man is holding hostage in your lives right now.

So where have I put MY TRUST/FAITH and HOPE into my whole life? I highly recommend you do this 5-minute exercise – it may just change your life. I’m going to do it right now. On one side I’m listing out all the things I have put my TRUST and FAITH into growing up, until 2 years ago. On the right side of the page, I’m going to put what GOD and HIS WORD says we should put our FAITH and TRUST into. Why would I continue another day on the left side, when the right side is God’s side??? Sure, that’s a rhetorical question, right? Yet, it’s also hypocrisy to know the RIGHT WAY and to purposely chose the WRONG WAY, am I right? THAT’S what today’s podcast lesson is and I HOPE and TRUST and have FAITH you’ll find great value in this episode, and Jesus will work within you long after you stop listening today. It’s life changing and for many, eternity changing as well, as it certainly was for me.